63 - Triphallia: The First Cadaveric Case Report of Internal Penile Triplication

Poster Board Number: 63
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Co-authors:

John Buchanan, BSc - Medical Student, University of Birmingham; Madeleine Gadd, BSc - Medical Student, University of Birmingham; Edward Mathews, BSc - Medical Student, University of Birmingham; Andre Coetzee, FRCPath - University of Birmingham; Karuna Katti, MBBS, MS - University of Birmingham

Abstract Body : Introduction: Triphallia, a rare congenital anomaly describing the presence of three distinct penile shafts, has been reported only once in the literature (Jabali and Mohammed, 2020). This case report, based on an extensive literature review, describes the serendipitous discovery during cadaveric dissection of the second reported human case of triphallia, distinctly morphologically different from the previous case.









Methods and Results: Despite the normal appearance of external genitalia on examination, the dissection of a 78-year-old male revealed a remarkable anatomical variation: two small supernumerary penises stacked in a sagittal orientation posteroinferiorly to the primary penis. Each penile shaft displayed its own corpora cavernosa and glans penis. The primary penis and largest and most superficial of the supernumerary penises shared a single urethra, which coursed through the secondary penis prior to its passage through the primary penis. A urethra-like structure was absent from the smallest supernumerary penis.









Conclusion: This case report provides a comprehensive description of the anatomical features of triphallia in a cadaver, shedding light on the morphology, embryology, and clinical implications of this anomaly. Without dissection, this anatomical variation would have remained undiscovered, suggesting the prevalence of polyphallia may be greater than expected. The single tortuous urethra present in this case, as well as the supernumerary and blind ending urethras present in many cases of penile duplication, may pose significant risk of infection, sexual dysfunction, subfertility and traumatic catheterisation.









Significance: These findings underscore the importance of meticulous anatomical dissections and may act as a resource for anatomists and those studying genitourinary anomalies. Although we can only speculate which functional implications this gentleman may have experienced, understanding such anatomical variations contributes to both knowledge of human anatomy and clinical management should the condition be encountered in living individuals.

Jabali SS, Mohammed AA. Triphallia (triple penis), the first reported case in human. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2020;77:198-200